Topical Steroid - Side Effects of Topical Steroids

Side Effects of Topical Steroids

• Diabetes mellitus
• Osteoporosis
• Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)
• Allergic contact dermatitis (see steroid allergy)
• Steroid atrophy
• Perioral dermatitis: This is a rash that occurs around the mouth and the eye region that has been associated with topical steroids.
• Ocular effects: Topical steroid drops are frequently used after eye surgery but can also raise intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and increase the risk of glaucoma, cataract, retinopathy as well as systemic adverse effects.
• Tachyphylaxis: The acute development of tolerance to the action of a drug after repeated doses. Significant tachyphylaxis can occur by day 4 of therapy. Recovery usually occurs after 3 to 4 days rest. This has led to therapies such as 3 days on, 4 days off; or one week on therapy, and one week off therapy.
• Vehicle-related adverse effects
• Other local adverse effects: These include facial hypertrichosis, folliculitis, miliaria, genital ulcers, and granuloma gluteale infantum. Long term use has resulted in Norwegian scabies, Kaposi's sarcoma, and other unusual dermatosis.